Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, They're Good for the Sport

Fan Commentary by Grandstand Bob

As unfortunate as Tony Stewart’s comments on Talladega may be, it would be more unfortunate had he not made them.

Before you send me nasty e-mail, let me explain.

How would you have answered the question: Which track has the most obnoxious fans? Remember, this was asked by a publication from a country which believes that most of us are obnoxious. In legal terms, you could call this leading the witness.

It’s impossible to answer that question without offending someone. Would you say Sears Point, Michigan, Chicago? No matter what you say, you’re going to make someone mad.

That is, unless you give the NASCAR-approved cookie-cutter response. Some of the series’ more practiced drivers would have probably said, “There are really no obnoxious fans. We love all fans and all tracks equally. Winston Cup fans are the best in the world.” So many versions of those statements have been offered through interviews, that you can be sure that someone somewhere said that.

Do we really want to hear it again? Don’t we get tired of the bland sound bites offered by way too many drivers? Even if Tony offended you, you should be thankful that he was brave enough to speak his mind.

I used to dislike Tony, because I thought that he was an obnoxious little hothead. Now, I like Tony, because he is an obnoxious little hothead.

Think about it. If NASCAR is mad at Tony for outrageous comments, then they will look the other way when others mutter less controversial words, which is good for the growth of the sport. Without occasional dissenting viewpoints and those bold enough to state them, organizations grow complacent and stagnant.

Were Tony to leave NASCAR, we would miss him tremendously, which brings me back to Kevin Harvick.

Thanks to everyone who wrote me in response to last week’s column on Kevin Harvick. It’s always nice to see all sides of the issue, and responses were about 50-50 between those agreeing that Kevin was punished too harshly and those who thought that he got what he deserved.

Regarding this latter contingent, the overriding theme was that NASCAR should punish him for his litany of offenses. Many said that, because he shows no respect for other drivers and is generally unrepentant, NASCAR should let him have it. This logic ignores the standards of punishment.

Kevin was on probation for grabbing Greg Biffle, and was suspended for ramming Coy Gibbs. His punishment, at least theoretically, came from those two incidents. To suggest that he be punished for his general behavior is like saying that my driver’s license should be revoked for doing 60 in a 55 MPH zone – because of all those other times that I sped and didn’t get caught.

Kevin has rattled the sport, and in the process, put himself on the bad side of many of his fellow competitors. That’s the worst thing that he’s done, because everyone wants respect; however, you might remember earlier drivers, one driving the Goodwrench #3, who also rattled the sport quite a bit in their earlier days. My question is which driver fills those grandstand seats: those who tread lightly or those brash and so fiercely competitive that they step on toes?

As long as I’m making reference to Dale, several people told me that Dale’s aggressive driver style contributed to his death. I was never an Earnhardt fan, but there was never another driver I loved to watch as much as I loved to watch Dale. He wasn’t a points racer, he was a wins racer, and that drive showed on the track. He would make moves that other drivers wouldn’t dare try, and he did that because he wanted to win. He also “rattled cages” and spoke his mind.

That “winner take all” attitude raised the level of competition in any race Dale entered, and it brought legions of fans to racetracks and their televisions on Sundays. We lost some of that last February, and we can’t afford to lose any more

Tony and Kevin are two of the fiercest competitors out there. Think twice before throwing them away.

Grandstand Bob Profile and Past Columns

note: This opinions expressed in this column are those of writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of ARS Racing Outlet or its parent company, amI, Inc.